Mutated Possum Now Named Pikachu After Strange Genetic Mutation

A “genetically mutated” Australian possum has been found, and its resemblance to Pikachu is pretty remarkable.

First reported by The Age, the possum has been affectionately named Pikachu, and her unique colouring is down to a mutation that “results in low levels of melanin,” resulting in her yellow colour instead of the typical brown.

The orphaned possum now lives in a wildlife rescue service in Australia. Her bright colours make her a target for predators, so she won’t be returning to the wild.

Credit: The Age.com

Melbourne University’s Dr Kath Handasyde explained to The Age: “One of the issues with unusual colours, particularly if they are pale, is this a nocturnal animal and if they are pale they are obvious to predators like an owl.”

Golden possums aren’t as rare as you might think, and they do turn up occasionally. So far, none have been known to perform Thundershock.

IRL Pikachu Possum might be a little overshadowed right now, as people can’t stop talking about the upcoming live-action Pokemon movie, Detective Pikachu.

The movie, which releases 10th May 2019, will be Pokemon like we’ve never seen it before…

Credit: Warner Bros

The movie’s description reads: “Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened.